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Int J Sports Med 2009; 30(11): 782-788
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1233464
Physiology & Biochemistry

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Aerobic Performance and Antioxidant Protection in Runners

S. Falone 1 , A. Mirabilio 1 , A. Passerini 2 , P. Izzicupo 2 , M. Cacchio 3 , S. Gallina 4 , A. D. Baldassarre 2 , F. Amicarelli 5
  • 1University “G. d’Annunzio”, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chieti, Italy
  • 2University “G. d’Annunzio”, Department of Biomorphology, Chieti, Italy
  • 3University “G. d’Annunzio”, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Chieti, Italy
  • 4University “G. d’Annunzio”, Department of Sciences and Human Movement, Chieti, Italy
  • 5University of L’Aquila, Department of Basic and Applied Biology, L’Aquila, Italy
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision June 19, 2009

Publication Date:
14 August 2009 (online)

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Aerobic Performance and Antioxidant Protection in RunnersInt J Sports Med 2010; 31(03): 219-219
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1250772

Abstract

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production is known to increase as a result of muscular contractile activity and this phenomenon may perturb the fine-controlled cellular redox homeostasis within cells and tissues. We studied the possible correlations between individual aerobic performance-related factors and the oxidative stress markers profile in the serum of thirty-five endurance male runners that experienced a modified Bruce-based maximal graded exercise test. Our investigation assessed the systemic levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl content (PCC) and total antioxidant status (TAS). We found that redox-related parameters and aerobic performance indicators were correlated. Indeed, significant negative associations between TAS and PCC (r-value −0.7, p<0.001) and between TAS and total protein content (r-value −0.4, p=0.005) were observed. A significant positive association between total protein and PCC (r-value 0.4, p=0.012) was also revealed. Only a trend of negative correlation between serum total protein and anaerobic threshold (r-value −0.3, p=0.07) was found. Interestingly, different responses in MDA levels were elicited by the ergometric test as a function of the individual anaerobic threshold. High aerobic capacities may be promising anthropometric factors indicative of adapted biochemical environments featuring enhanced protection against the oxidative challenge elicited by both regular endurance training and single intense exercise bouts.

Key words

antioxidant capacity - exercise - oxidative damage - endurance runners

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Correspondence

Prof. F. Amicarelli

University of L’Aquila

Department of Basic and Applied Biology

via Vetoio

67010 L’Aquila

Italy

Phone: +39 0 862 433266

Fax: +39 0 862 433273

Email: fernanda.amicarelli@univaq.it